‘Big Changes’ Fuel Frank Turner’s New Single

Singer-songwriter Frank Turner has just released a rousing new single, “The Gathering,” via Xtra Mile Recordings/Polydor Records. His first new music in nearly two years, the track features guest appearances from Jason Isbell and Muse’s Dom Howard. It finds Turner sounding more exuberant than ever. 

“The Gathering” – also the name of Turner’s own limited edition beer that has just launched – is available to stream now via YouTube and across all platforms. 

Turner spent much of lockdown playing virtual shows from his living room, raising over £250,000 to support endangered grassroots venues up and down the UK, many of which might not have otherwise survived the pandemic. In typical Turner fashion, “The Gathering” puts a positive spin on things, anticipating a return to normality. 

“It’s about that moment when you come together in a room full of people, and you lean on a stranger and sing along with the chorus and get the words wrong,” says Turner in a press release. 

Produced by Rich Costey (Biffy Clyro, Foo Fighters), with whom Turner worked on 2013’s Tape Deck Heart, “The Gathering” features drums courtesy of Muse’s Dom Howard and a guitar solo from Jason Isbell, who recorded remotely from Los Angeles and Nashville. 

The new track follows some big changes for Turner, who left his beloved London for the Essex coast and got married after the release of 2019’s No Man’s Land. 

“The biggest thing for me about the lockdown experience was about identity,” says Turner. “I am the guy who tours; this is who I’ve been since I was 16. This is the longest period of time I’ve slept in the same bed continuously since I was 7.” 

This summer, Turner will present a run of outdoor shows, helping to kick start the return of live music. The shows can either be socially distanced or full capacity depending on the maximum safety of the audience, performers and crews and in accordance with any national restrictions in place at the time of the event. 

“At a time when the pandemic has wreaked havoc all across the live music industry, I feel like it’s important to get back to the basics – playing live music to entertain a crowd,” says Turner. “This summer, with Xtra Mile and friends, I’m taking the punk approach – do it yourself, find a way. I can’t wait.” 

Photo credit: Ben Morse